Why Not Obama: An Explanation in Three Parts

A few months ago, I wrote a piece where I stated my beefs with the Obama candidacy. Admittedly, I was a bit emotional when I wrote it. Since Obama will-probably-be the democratic nominee, I’m going to revisit that piece here and address three of my four concerns with him in greater detail. I’ll leave the experience argument alone, because it’s just my opinion.My information for Obama’s views comes directly from his “Blueprint for Change.”Part I: Iraq and the War on Terror

Obama’s plan for Iraq centers around five key elements: trusting his judgment, bringing the military home, pressing for reconciliation, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian initiatives. Under Obama, one combat brigade per month would be withdrawn, with the goal of having all brigades out within 16 months. His plan states, “The best way to press Iraq’s leaders to take responsibility for their future is to make it clear that we are leaving.”

My issues with this: The most obvious problem with this is that it completely disregards the accomplishments of the “surge” which started last year. The improved stability has led to some much-needed political gains. For example:

– In December, the government enacted a Pension law that will allow tens of thousands of Sunnis to collect the retirement benefits they were promised. – In January, leaders enacted a De-Ba’athification law (Accountability& Justice) that allows mid-level Ba’ath party members to re-enter political and civic life. – In February, leaders enacted a $50 Billon budget that increases spending on security capital reconstruction projects and provincial governments. – The same day in February, leaders enacted an Amnesty law to resolves the status of many Iraqis held in Iraqi custody. This was a key Sunni demand.

Even if you don’t consider the security gains made by the surge brigades, it’s undeniable that progress is being made in Iraq…and a large portion of that success is due to our troops on the ground. To pull them out-in addition to emboldening our enemies there-would also undermine and prevent any further political progress from being made.

The overwhelming majority of Republican voters (75%) say the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror. Less than a third of Democrats (29%) agree. While just 8% of GOP’s say the terrorists are winning, 38% of Democratic voters say the same.